Coast Guard calls in fishing fleet in preparation for Sandy

As Hurricane Sandy heads up the coast, churning seas to dangerous heights, the Coast Guard is urging mariners to return to port by tonight.

ARIEL WITTENBERG

As Hurricane Sandy heads up the coast, churning seas to dangerous heights, the Coast Guard is urging mariners to return to port by tonight.

In a marine safety information bulletin issued Friday, officials warned that "the potential exists for hurricane-force wind gusts along with seas in excess of 25 feet over the open waters."

While the exact track and timing remain uncertain, forecasters expect Sandy will make landfall near Delaware late Monday or early Tuesday but said the storm could still veer as far north as Connecticut.

However, the Coast Guard's bulletin warns that "no matter where this storm tracks, a dangerous, potentially life-threatening storm is expected for mariners."

"Winds and seas of this nature can damage even large vessels," the bulletin reads.

At the New Bedford waterfront Friday afternoon, fishermen were preparing for the storm by securing their boats with extra lines and placing bumpers at places where their boats could crash against the docks during the storm.

"I'm just doubling up the lines and hoping for the best," said John Gallant, who owns the Christine Julie. "There's not much else you can do."

David Pereira, who owns the Hustler, said he has been keeping an eye on weather reports.

"We don't know exactly what's going to happen but it's Mother Nature. What can you do?" he said.

Dave Bucklin, who Friday afternoon was working on the Linda, said he would feel better about the boat if the hurricane barrier closes. "Once they do that, this is a safe haven (and) we're good to go," he said.

Mayor Jon Mitchell, at a press conference Friday afternoon, said the Army Corps of Engineers would close the harbor door to the hurricane barrier if storm surges are greater than 4 feet. The street gates to the barrier will be closed if the neighboring areas are at risk of flooding, he said.

Matt Doody at the National Weather Service in Taunton said storm surges are forecast to be 3-5 feet, with 30-40 mph winds and gusts of 50-60 mph.

The city has already established a shelter at Keith Middle School on Hathaway Boulevard. In the event of prolonged power outages, there may also be shelters established by the Red Cross, Mitchell said.

School will automatically be canceled for Monday if Gov. Deval Patrick issues a state of emergency, Mitchell said. If the governor does not, the mayor will make a decision about classes on Sunday.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, Patrick's administration said the state Department of Public Utilities has "been in frequent communication with the utility companies" to ensure that any power outages are dealt with in a "reasonably prompt manner."

In New Bedford, Mitchell said the city is positioning ambulances and other emergency vehicles in different parts of the city, especially the South End, ahead of the storm's arrival.

"If folks want to leave, they can help you do that," he said.

The city also has more than 2,000 sand bags that residents can pick up at the Department of Public Infrastructure at 1105 Shawmut Ave.

Both Patrick and Mitchell urged residents to prepare for the hurricane by keeping pets and lawn furniture indoors, making a safety kit with flashlights, food and bottled water and filling vehicles with fuel.

Mitchell additionally warned residents to stay inside during the storm and to "be safe."

"If you walk to the beach or the hurricane barrier, the police will pick you up because that is not safe," Mitchell said.

"These are common-sense tips. No one should panic but an ounce of preparation goes a long way."